From Today's Home Magazine
September 2007
Many homeowners are overwhelmed when faced with a complex remodeling project. There are contractors, designers, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to hire, materials to choose, and invoices to analyze. A homeowner not only has to be an accountant, design specialist, and project manager, but also a building superintendent. To save time, money, and their sanity, homeowners can hire a construction consultant to handle all those jobs and more while they attend to their everyday lives.
Geoffrey Rosenblatt, owner of GAR Construction Management, says most homeowners need a representative to speak up for them in the building process, especially when dealing with pushy contractors or stubborn designers. “I’m typically called an owner’s representative,” explains Geoffrey. “I help owners with making design decisions and assist them in picking out the proper contractor and/or architect.”
Geoffrey says his primary role is to guide homeowners in the right direction and help them save time and money on a project. His 15 years of experience in the construction industry and his degree in construction management from Purdue University add to his credentials as a construction manager and owner’s representative.
As an owner’s representative, Geoffrey’s main job is to keep the plan in place. This often includes rescheduling to avoid delays, keeping track of budgets, negotiating with members of the project team, and making tough decisions to ensure the clients are satisfied with the results. He must also make sure that the homeowner, designer, and contractor agree to and follow the selected plan. “I will know about any snags that happen along the way and will make sure the correct action is taken,” he says.
Geoffrey says that going in with a bad design plan or without proper preparation can cause heartache for homeowners. He cites change orders as common problems that can cause the price to skyrocket. He also stresses the importance of hiring trustworthy professionals. “Homeowners can be so easily taken advantage of by a contractor,” he says. “My job is to make sure contractors are not overcharging for things, are building with integrity, and are finishing on time.”
Geoffrey takes his role very seriously. In the past he’s fired contractors and restarted projects that seemed doomed. He has no problem telling contractors they are charging too much or doing poor quality work. It means a lot to homeowners to know that someone is looking out for their best interests. In fact, it makes all the difference.
For more information about GAR Construction Management, call (415) 683-1019 or visit their website at www.garcm.com.
